CouponMania

While visiting my sister up in Tennessee, she got me hooked.

My Points, Saving Star, CheckOut 51, and Coupons.com not to mention True Couponing has become a part of my everyday to do list.

Coupons!

That's what I'm talking about.

I don't know about you but grocery shopping has become so depressing. Here on the Ponderosa we try to eat as healthy as possible, but I have had to strike a balance in order to balance our budget. Since I home school my kiddos and don't have the opportunity to go and make money to help out, I thought the best way to do this is to save money.

I mean, I was able to save $35.00 on a $70.00 order at Winn Dixie, only purchasing what was cheaper to buy there then to do price comparison at Walmart. I also am going to save .38 cents on my next gas fill up. Yes, this takes more time, but I believe it is well worth it.

Food is getting more and more expensive. So instead of rationalizing buying my milk at Walmart since I'm there already, I make time to go one block west to Aldi, where I find it for $1.00 cheaper.

So, for now, this is my contribution to our budget. And I am thankful, I am able to be wise in my spending.

Encouragement Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

Yesterday, the girls and I ventured to Bradenton Beach for a little sun, surf and sand. We were accompanied by my sister, Melissa and her friend. It was an absolutely perfect day. The sun hid for a few minutes but always came back out at our bidding. 

Of course, my little nature lover spotted the turtle nests. She was full of questions about who, what and why? My  prayer is always that she would see the Creator as more important than the creation. I can definitely see her hugging some trees. ;)

 

My two Black Beauties!

 

As we were packing up to leave, my sister handed me a box that was light as a feather with a surprise in it. 

When we arrived home, I opened it to find blown up balloons and a card.

 

What a terrific idea! And a super big Encouragement! Each day the girls and I will be looking forward to the Scriptures and focusing our minds on His Word.

(This couldn't have come at a better time.)

 

I belong to the truth! There is rest in His presence.

When I show love in deeds not just words. Wow! So convicting too.

 

My sister is going through many trials herself and took the time and energy to put each handwritten note inside a balloon! This is love in deeds! 

How can you show purposeful love today?

Big Red and Cover Girl

The girls and I took a little trip to Tennessee this last week to visit with my sister and her family and Dad and Lindi. We had such a great time and made some awesome memories. 

We went to the local Pigeon Forge pool.

 We were given complimentary tickets to Dollywood's Splash Country.

 We drove the Cade's Cove Loop and attempted to have a bbq picnic, but we were rained out.

 Each time we visit there is a "first without mom" memory too. As we drove through Cade's Cove, I realized the last time I was there I took mom while she was sick on Chemo. She slept most of the way, but at one stop we got out and sat in the chairs we had brought. I read Psalms to her. As we passed that meadow on this visit I could see her sitting there.

I can't believe it has been 4 years since mom has gone home to be with the Lord. Time flies. Children grow. Time just changes things. But some things never change. 

Like the smell of Big Red gum and Cover Girl Face Powder. These are the smells that my sister and I were reminiscing about. Mom's purse always carried these two essential things. I can still hear her laugh and see her crazy ways. My sister embodies many of them. Ha! So many of her mannerisms are moms. This made me happy.

After mom left us, my sister planted a tree and had a plaque made that still sits in her front yard.

 I've said this before, but I am so thankful for the legacy my mom left.

An Encouraging Word

"If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He says even in catastrophic times He is not only with you but longing to pour out through you.

God’s Word that you have been storing away in the quiet times with Him can be revealed through your brokenness. He sees your pain, and His heart breaks with your every hurt. You are dearly loved. Hold on to His promise that your brokenness is not wasted but releases His Spirit to do works of perseverance, power, character and hope."

-This is from the Proverbs 31 devotionals.

Thanks, Sis for sending this my way.

I want to believe it with all my heart.

Our Favorite Christmas Gift....

...arrived home today.

Our precious son, whom we have missed so much, is home.

The Lord Jesus has done a work in his life. So many of you have been praying for the Ponderosa to be reunited. Thank you.

This Advent Holiday will be like no other.

For my dear mother is not here to celebrate with the family that she and dad nurtured and reared. BUT, she is with the King of Kings, my Mighty Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father.

But, God has graciously given our son back to us.

This day we will all be together. Dad and Lindi; my sister, her husband, and their three boys; my brother, his wife, and their four children; 5 dogs; rabbits, horses, chickens.

This will be a year to remember. We miss. We love. We cry. We laugh. Memories are made when we are together.

(Pictures to follow)

Sisters....

Tonight, I am thinking of my sister. From the time we were little we watched "White Christmas" together, crosstitching and enjoying each other's company. Here tonight I sit watching it with my girls as I am thinking about my precious sister and friend. This was our favorite part, so when it came on we would stand up and sing it while fluttering around the room.

This year we are missing one special person....but we must remember she is singing a much greater song tonight. She is missed.

I love you, Jen.

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Holly Hobby, lavendar walls, purple colored shag carpet, matching baby dolls (always red and blue), homemade matching knit dresses from Gran, singing lessons together.

These are all part of my childhood memories. Memories I shared with my oldest sister. Who is also my friend.

Sisterhood is an amazing relationship. And one that nothing could have prepared me for in adulthood. I am blessed beyond words for my older sister, Jenny.

Sisters that share the bond of Christ have an added dimension of love. There are no two sisters that are more different than she and I, and yet, find such consolation in our bond.

There was a time when "Mr. Cartwright" and I were trying to start our family, which seemed an impossible feat, that this sister of mine wrote to me and shared with me what God has encouraged her with. She reminded me of God's promises and promised to fast one day a month for the will of God to be done. I read back on this love notes from her and can now see God's great promises worked out in my life. I have four blessed arrows that were given to me from God in ways that I would never have guessed.

I was able to be in the delivery room with one of her blessed babies as she lavished her love on him. It was such a awesome privilege to be part of this private time and see what God's amazing love can do through two people. That is something I will never forget.

And more recently, we had the honor of spending the last 2 weeks of Mom's life with her together; giving her showers, rubbing her feet, combing her hair, crying on each other's shoulder, as well, as journaling together. This latest event has brought us closer than ever. We know each other's vulnerability. We were at the lowest one can be together. When mom's breath left her, we were there grabbing each other's hands and singing,

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.

Jenny, I love you more than you know. I am so grateful you are my sister and friend. You have grown so much as a mom and wife and are an example to me in so many ways. My prayer for you this year is one of trust in God' enduring promises. He will continue to guide you as you seek Him daily.

I am immensely privileged to have you in my life. To call you Friend.

I love you.

Happy Birthday!

A Special Gift

Wonderful friends of my sister gave her this plaque as a gift to help us heal from Mom's homegoing. They also gave her money to buy a memory tree to put the plaque under.

Good friends know exactly what we need.

Thank God for friends who love the Lord.

Thank you, Jenny's friends.

Good News!

#100~ We have the answer and cure for all those hurting in the world. Why don't we share this news more readily?

#101~ Sharing the excitement of my little one as she welcomes Tangy and Nemo to the Ponderosa

#102~ Words with my dear mom on the phone; she sounded strong; what else would I expect?

#103~ The movie that has changed so many marriages and lives. Every time my love and I sit down to watch it, it changes us some more.

#104~ Great attitude and reflection from my oldest little man. He is making great strides.

#105~ My awesome Dad who is taking such great care of my mom right now. He gives her wonderful physical, spiritual, mental and emotional support during this difficult time.

#106~ Finally, finishing our first Sequential Spelling book; and while I'm at it, I'm so thankful for that program. Those of you looking for a spelling cirriculum for little ones that struggle, I highly recommend it.

#107~ God has used this man to change my man

#108~ 72 hours of rain this last week

#109~ Saturday was the day that all people who live in Florida know why they live here

#110~ Thank you, sis, for sharing Psalm 112:7 with me this weekend.

#111~ God's Word, plain and simple